whats the best way to clean hardwood or laminate flooring.....?

Question

the house we are renting has both, we need to clean it, but don;t want to ruin it.

Answer 1

vinegar and water

Answer 2

I don't know about laminate, but I'd go with the answers here or contact the manufacturer.

I have extensive experience with hardwoods. The absolute best thing I've found is to make sure that dirt doesn't get tracked in. Dirt will wear off the finish of hardwoods, no matter how they are finished. Put small rug for people to wipe their feet on at the door. Dust mop, swiffer, or vacuum (no beater bar. If you have to, buy a cheap stick vac) every day. Use a slightly damp sponge mop with just water occassionally. A lot of soaps, even those formulated for wood floors, can build up or discolour surfaces. It's in our lease that we can't use anything but water on our floors.

And cover the highest traffic areas with carpet, make sure that all your furniture is on felt protectors or rugs.

Answer 3

Laminate does well with vinegar and water; hardwood can be cleaned with anything non-abrasive: any good soap and water. Just don't slop it on like in the old days (we'd just dump the bucket of water on the floor, swish it around and mop it up.) These days, with all the underlays that can't tolerate getting wet, don't let the water puddle; just use a bit. If water gets in between the cracks, especially with laminates and sponge underlays, you're going to have problems, like mould. So be careful. I like the safe methods instead of using the harsh stuff. The swiffer squirt mop contraption works well, but I replace the chemical with the vinegar solution and it works fine.

Answer 4

I cannot comment on laminate...but i have some experience with hardwood

Well, if your definition of cleaning is simple, not intensive, cleaning, then just use a good vaccum cleaner to remove the dust. some people suggest using a 1:1 mix of water to vinegar to clean the wood floor. however, be sure to test it on a small area to see what effect it has.

before you use any chemicals, you should find out the type of wood and varnish used. hardwood floors can be destroyed easily if the wrong stuff is used.

Answer 5

I really like Murphy's Oil Soap on hardwood flooring and trim. It's great for breaking up the grease and other buildup.

Answer 6

Clean with vinegar water and shine with mild milk water. It works great and gets rid of scum and dirt. It will last along time after.

Answer 7

the best way is with glass cleaner i have those floors to they are a pain but try that